Ohio Ag News Headlines USDA to Measure Financial Health Ag Industry Ohio Ag Connection - 02/08/2010 Starting in January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). This survey will provide farmers and ranchers with an opportunity to provide accurate, real-world data that will help shape the policies, programs and issues that affect them. "ARMS asks a small, but representative, sample of farmers about their operation in order to understand the current financial state of U.S. agriculture," said James Ramey, director of the NASS Ohio Field Office. "Participation in ARMS is so important because government and agricultural leaders use the information needed to make sound decisions that impact the future of farmers, their families, their businesses and their communities." Between early February and late March NASS field offices will contact 35,000 farmers nationwide by mail or personal interview to complete the survey. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operating expenditures, production costs and household characteristics. "Farm organizations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other government agencies, members of Congress, and State and local officials use the collective information from ARMS to answer questions and make important decisions concerning the economic viability of American agriculture, the rural economy and other emerging issues," explained Ramey. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.